For Immediate Release: April 30, 2022

Dorothy Mahanes Retires Following 17 Years of Service

RICHMOND, Va. – Bishop Barry C. Knestout is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Fogler, SPHR, as the new human resources officer (HRO) for the diocese. After a thorough national search, Sarah Fogler was selected to succeed Dorothy “Dot” Mahanes, SPHR, who is retiring after nearly two decades of service.

Sarah Fogler

Fogler has extensive experience in the field of human resources and project management within Church leadership and the corporate world. Currently, she serves as the director of the diocesan Office of Human Resources, where she has worked for the last 12 years in various positions of responsibility, including assistant director of human resources; senior recruiting, training and project manager; benefits and as payroll/HRMS (Human Resource Management Systems) manager. Previously, she worked for Capital One Financial for eight years.

Fogler earned her master’s degree in administration, training and policy studies from Boston University and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire.

“Sarah brings more than 20 years of strategic human resources management and leadership to the diocese,” said Bishop Knestout. “I am grateful to have someone of Sarah’s expertise, principles and management skills to assist our hardworking professionals who work for our local Church. I look forward to the continuity she will bring to the office and the ongoing strengthening of our operations and employee recruitment that will build upon the caliber of work Dot Mahanes brought to the diocese when she walked through the doors more than 17 years ago.”

Dot Mahanes

Fogler succeeds Mahanes, who announced her retirement in November. Mahanes was appointed by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo in 2004 to develop and strengthen the Human Resources Office. During her tenure, she was instrumental in creating the diocese’s Office of Safe Environment and establishing compensation structures and guidelines. In collaboration with the Office of Finance, she pursued technological efficiencies for payroll and expanded employee benefits to include multiple health plans and a defined contribution 403(b) plan. Under the direction of Bishop Knestout, she was responsible for implementing EthicsPoint – an independent, third-party reporting system that allows employees, clergy, volunteers or parishioners to anonymously submit concerns about suspected unethical behavior, misuse of resources or financial misconduct. Most recently, she assisted and guided the diocese with policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The human resources officer oversees the offices of: Human Resources, Safe Environment, Payroll, Facilities Management and Copy Services, and supports more than 2,700 lay and religious employees and clergy within the diocese.

The change is effective May 2, 2022.

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